"But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
The Last Days (pangs of distress) do not last for an exhaustive period of time but do have an ending to them. It's an allotment period of time of 120 years, like the Days of Noah. This allotment is a Conclusion of a System of things. Better times lay ahead of us as the pangs of distress come to their end, but not for everyone. “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.” (Rev 7:3) Notice that harm to the earth, sea, or trees are being withheld until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads. Once the total number of the 144,000 are sealed, then a colossal of other prophecies begin to become fulfilled. Time left is reduced and turning back will no longer be a recourse once the 144,000 are sealed, which will bring the end of ungodly people as they begin dying a permanant death with No Ressurection. (The Second Death)
The question about this prophecy is when. Will it be revealed in the future, or are we living it now? In the first part of 1914, the Bible Students known as International Bible Students Association discussed the “time of trouble” on the printed page called The Bible Students Monthly.
Early in 1914, an issue of The Bible Students Monthly was issued with the large bold heading “END OF WORLD IN 1914? Some have quoted the large headline of this tract as proof that Russell was expecting the “end of the world” in 1914. However, such neglect the subheading under the larger headline, which states: “NOT THE VIEW OF PASTOR RUSSELL NOR OF I.B.S.A.”
International Bible Students Association: "Nevertheless, when viewed from God’s standpoint, we are still “shortly after” 1914. Although Russell himself did not think the time of trouble would be this long, he did allow that it could be. It is possible that the time allotted for this period is 120 years (1914+120=2034), but that these days will be “cut short” some time before they are allowed to reach their end. We do not put this forth as a “prophecy”, nor would we feel anything was wrong if 2034 came and went and nothing had happened as far the full binding of Satan and the destruction of his empire is concerned. All things are in God’s hands."
What does 2034 represent? The Epiphany of Christ's Presence. The Epiphany was spoken of in the same article “END OF WORLD IN 1914?" It represents that Ah-ah moment of the realization of an undergoing prophecy. Jehovah's people will start to notice their health is generally getting better a little at a time and start sharing these revelations with one another. Notice how the wicked and lawless will be destroyed? "Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and Bring to Nothing by the Manifestation of his Presence." (2 Thessalonians 2:8)
This is where it is critical to gain the understanding of what the Great Tribulation is. The Great Tribulation is marked by an outbreak of "Peace and Security!" During this time of DECEPTION among the nations, the Bible reveals, "Why are the nations agitated And the peoples muttering an empty thing? The kings of the earth take their stand And high officials gather together as one Against Jehovah and against his anointed one." (Psalms 2:1-2)
The Presence of the Son of of Man began in 1914. "For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress." (Matthew 24:7-8)
"For just as the lightning comes out of the east and shines over to the west, so the Presence of the Son of man will be." (Matthew 24:27) Are you gaining the understanding that these things are fulfilled in a Spiritual Manner? Ever since 1914, right-hearted ones have been witnessing the Presence of the Son of man. After 2034, the wicked will also start to gain the understanding that they are really dying and lament all the way to everlasting destruction.
As the Last Days come to their conclusion and the seperating work is completed, even the wicked will SEE but after it is too late! Yes, the Revealing of the Son of Man will soon begin for the 'ungodly' as we head into Christ Millennial Reign.
What is the 'sudden destruction' that comes upon those, once the pangs of distress comes to their end? The Bible reveals it in this manner: "And this is the scourge with which Jehovah will scourge all the peoples who wage war against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot away while they stand on their feet, their eyes will rot away in their sockets, and their tongues will rot away in their mouths." (Zechariah 14:12) Those who are figuratively hurled into the lake of fire, die 'the second death' which symbolizes everlasting destruction. However, they can still do harm to God's Named People.
Once 'the wicked' witness the sign of the Son of Man, that's our brothers and sisters (the sheep) living beyond the 70 or 80 years. Gog of Magog will come to destroy God's Name People. At the time, the goats within our 144,000 Congregations will have been separated to join all those on the outside. "In that day confusion from Jehovah will be widespread among them; and each one will grab hold of the hand of his companion, and his hand will come against the hand of his companion." (Zechariah 14:13) So it is written, so it shall come to pass! IF you love Justice, and hate Injustice, why not take a stand today by asking for a Free Home Bible Study or take an Online Bible Study Lesson?
The Great Tribulation. What is it?
The Manifestation of Christ's Presence... is upon us.